USA sets major World Cup record despite – Sports News
A record TV viewers watched the USMNT lose 4-1 to Belgium (Image: 2026 Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA)
FOX Sports achieved bittersweet historical past on Monday night time, attracting a record viewership because the United States males’s national staff suffered a devastating defeat to Belgium, falling 4-1 and exiting the FIFA World Cup.
The broadcaster revealed that 30 million viewers tuned into Monday’s broadcast, shattering the record for the most-watched soccer telecast in US historical past.
Yet what might have been a landmark second for the USMNT ended abruptly as Belgium dominated proceedings at Seattle Stadium.
The Belgian squad carried out the Donald Trump dance following their fourth aim of the night, delivering a pointed message to the US president, who had known as for Folarin Balogun’s suspension to be lifted.
The controversial scenario appeared to provoke Belgium forward of kickoff, and a record-breaking viewers witnessed them dismantle the USMNT.
The USMNT was devastated after being dumped out of the World Cup (Image: 2026 Getty Images)
FOX Sports has loved super success all through the World Cup after securing broadcast rights to all 104 matches.
Industry analysts have already projected that U.S. broadcasting rights might attain $1 billion by 2030, in comparison with the $485 million FOX paid, underscoring soccer’s exceptional enlargement and recognition throughout North America.
All three host nations additionally delivered robust showings on the match, with Canada, Mexico and the U.S. every advancing to the Round of 16. Unfortunately, that stage additionally marked the top of the highway for all three nations.
Canada grew to become the primary host nation to be eradicated following a 3-0 defeat to Morocco. Mexico then fell 3-2 to England in an thrilling contest, however the USMNT endured probably the most embarrassing exit of the co-hosts.
The match was overshadowed by controversy involving FIFA, Trump, and the USMNT, as ahead Balogun was anticipated to be suspended. His pink card ban was lifted, nevertheless, enabling him to take part.
Folarin Balogun had been given a pink card (Image: Getty Images)
Belgium threatened to take motion however in the end secured victory, successfully neutralizing Balogun all through the match.
Following their development to the quarterfinals, Belgium supervisor Rudi Garcia disclosed that he had spoken with Balogun and emphasised that the animosity wasn’t directed on the participant personally.
Garcia revealed that Balogun approached him following the ultimate whistle. “He [Balogun] came to talk to me. I really liked that. It’s not his fault, he’s not the one to blame, I told him that. I appreciate the intention of him speaking to me,” Garcia stated.
Following their World Cup elimination, discussions within US Soccer have already begun relating to what comes subsequent. Manager Mauricio Pochettino’s contract expires this summer time, although constructive discussions have occurred about a potential extension.
“We had positive conversations with Mauricio before the World Cup about the future,” U.S. Soccer stated in a assertion. “We agreed we would continue those conversations following a chance to rest and reflect post-World Cup.
“We have a great deal of respect and gratitude for Mauricio, his workers, and everybody half of this system.
“We have shared excitement about our potential and also shared clarity about the amount of work at all levels still required to achieve our ambition.”
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